Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie believes Brendan Rodgers should start Kyogo Furuhashi against Aberdeen in tomorrow’s League Cup semi-final at Hampden. Although Rodgers is hopeful Adam Idah will be fit after suffering an ankle injury from a reckless challenge in the 3-0 win over Motherwell, McAvennie insists Kyogo is the better option. Despite scoring just once in his last six games, Kyogo netted against Aberdeen in their recent 2-2 draw and his quick, intelligent runs make him a constant threat to defenders.
“You have to go with the wee man,” McAvennie said. “His runs are incredible, and defenders hate having to chase back. For a game like this, it’s got to be Kyogo.”
McAvennie, who scored twice in Celtic’s 1988 League and Cup double-winning campaign, sees this match as a “Final before the Final,” predicting that the winner could go on to take the trophy. He also doubts Rangers will overcome Motherwell in their semi-final matchup.
Reflecting on Aberdeen’s resurgence under manager Jimmy Thelin, McAvennie praised the team’s determination, comparing them to Sir Alex Ferguson’s formidable Aberdeen side in the 80s. He noted that Celtic had difficulties in recent encounters with Aberdeen, including a 3-3 Scottish Cup semi-final that went to penalties and last month’s 2-2 draw.
McAvennie added, “Aberdeen showed real confidence at Parkhead last month, but playing Celtic at Hampden is a different challenge. I think Celtic will edge it, especially with Kyogo leading the attack.” Rodgers’ team, he said, will be aiming to go all out this time, with Kyogo as the key to their hopes of reaching the final.
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